What is laryngeal cancer?
Laryngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the larynx. The larynx is a part of the throat located between the back of the tongue (base) and the windpipe. The larynx contains the vocal cords, which vibrate and make sounds when air bounces off them. The person’s voice is produced when sounds echo as they pass through the pharynx, mouth, and nose.
The larynx consists of three main parts:
- Supraglottis – Upper part of the larynx located above the vocal
cords containing the epiglottis. - Glottis : middle part of the larynx where the vocal cords meet.
- Subglottis – Lower part of the larynx located between the vocal cords and the trachea.
Most laryngeal cancers form in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that line the inside of the larynx.
Laryngeal cancer in Mexico
In Mexico, laryngeal cancer ranks first in frequency among cancers of the upper air-digestive tract, and represents 42% of malignant neoplasms of the upper air-digestive tract, but only 1% of all cancers. malignant neoplasms. Worldwide, 95% of cancers at this site correspond to squamous cell carcinoma, occurring more frequently in men than in women (with a 7:1 ratio) and between 60 and 70 years of age.
According to the estimate of the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), in the year 2020, 1364 malignant tumors of the larynx were diagnosed; however, these data are estimates due to the lack of a precise national information system on this type of tumors.
Laryngeal cancer in Latin America
Laryngeal cancer represents a health problem within chronic non-communicable diseases. In Cuba, it is one of the highest rates in America (taking into account the continental rates in general; although it should be noted that those of Latin America, even that of the countries with the best development, are not totally reliable due to underreporting, especially in the areas of greatest poverty)
It is estimated that this year 12,620 adults (9,940 men and 2,680 women) will be diagnosed with laryngeal cancer. The incidence rates of this disease have decreased 2 to 3 percent each year. This is believed to be due to a decrease in tobacco use.
Laryngeal cancer worldwide
Europe is the most affected continent, being more frequent in the Mediterranean countries (France and Spain) (3), representing 3% of cancers in men(0.2% of women). In the vast majority of cases it appears in males, almost always in the middle of life (6). The incidence is up to 20 per 100,000 men in Latin Europe, while in North America, for example, it is 8.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, with medium incidence foci in India (14 per 100,000 men in Bombay).
In general, the highest rates were recorded in Western and Southern Europe. The incidence in women was much lower, with a sex ratio of 16.5. In contrast to men, the high-risk areas for women were Ireland (1.3), Denmark (1.0), Belgium (0.9) and the United Kingdom (0.8).
Symptoms
These and other signs and symptoms may be caused by laryngeal cancer or other conditions. See your doctor if you have any of the following signs or
symptoms:
- Sore throat or cough that does not go away.
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
- Earache.
- Mass in the neck or throat.
- Voice change or hoarseness.
Possible tests to diagnose laryngeal cancer.
Physical exam of the throat and neck: An exam of the throat and neck to check for abnormal areas. The doctor will feel the inside of the mouth and throat
with a gloved finger, and use a small, lighted, long-handled mirror to examine the mouth and throat. He will also check the inside of the cheeks and lips;
the gums; the bottom, roof and floor of the mouth; above, below and to the sides of the tongue; and the throat. He will feel your neck to identify swollen
lymph nodes. Data on health habits, history of illnesses, and previous treatments are also taken.
Biopsy : The removal of cells or tissues so that a pathologist can look at them under a microscope to check for signs of cancer. Tissue samples are sometimes removed during one of the following procedures:
Laryngoscopy : A procedure in which a doctor examines the larynx with a mirror or laryngoscope, looking for abnormal areas. A laryngoscope is a thin, tube-shaped instrument with a light and lens for looking inside the throat and larynx. Sometimes it has a tool to remove tissue samples and look at them under a microscope to check for signs of cancer.
Endoscopy : A procedure to look inside organs and tissues of the body, such as the throat, esophagus, and trachea, to check for abnormal areas. An endoscope (a thin tube-shaped instrument with a light and lens for viewing) is inserted through an opening in the body, such as the mouth. Sometimes a special tool on the endoscope is used to remove tissue samples.
CT scan (CAT scan) : A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye is injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called a CT scan, CT scan, or CT scan.
Treatments.
There are different types of treatment for laryngeal cancer patients.
Four types of standard treatment are used:
Surgery : An operation in which doctors cut out the cancerous tissue.
Chemotherapy : Special drugs are used to shrink or kill cancer cells.
These drugs can be pills you take or drugs injected into your veins, or sometimes both.
Radiation therapy : High-energy rays (similar to X-rays) are used to kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: Medicines are used to help a person’s immune system recognize and kill cancer cells more effectively.